Locality considered in placement of Sabah, Sarawak, and Orang Asli teacher graduates
Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025
By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR: Locality-based placement, particularly for candidates from Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli community, is one of the key considerations in the deployment of new teachers, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the approach is intended to allow these teachers to serve closer to their hometowns, while also strengthening education development in rural areas. However, Fadhlina said that final placement decisions are ultimately determined by actual vacancies and current subject option requirements, in line with educational priorities. 'While candidates may indicate their preferred locations and willingness to serve, placements are made based on option needs and available vacancies. This approach aligns with our core educational priorities and aspirations,' she explained. She added that the Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring students nationwide receive quality education through the strategic placement of sufficient new teachers in schools. Fadhlina was responding to a question from Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam) during Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, regarding the key considerations in placing new teachers who have graduated from the Institute of Teacher Education (IPGM). Apart from that, she said that special admission pathways are provided at the IPGM level for students from Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli communities to ensure that teacher placement in these localities aligns with the specific needs of schools in those areas. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
43 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Strengthen safety nets, don't dictate retirees' use of EPF savings, says social activist
Voon says any attempt to retroactively or unilaterally change withdrawal terms after contributors have met the required conditions undermines public trust in the system. – Bernama photo KUCHING (Aug 7): The government should focus on strengthening social safety nets, improving financial literacy and ensuring Employees Provident Fund (EPF) returns remain strong instead of controlling how retirees use their savings, said social activist Voon Shiak Ni. She said any attempt to retroactively or unilaterally change withdrawal terms after contributors have met the required conditions undermines public trust in the system. 'In light of this, public feedback is to urge the federal government to uphold the current withdrawal policy at age 55 without additional restrictions; refrain from introducing any new conditional withdrawal mechanisms for eligible retirees; and recognise that financial freedom in retirement is a personal right – not a government-controlled benefit. 'It is a fundamental principle that Malaysian EPF contributors are entitled to withdraw their savings in full upon reaching the age of 55 in accordance with existing EPF regulations. 'These funds represent the hard-earned savings of workers accumulated over decades, and the right to access them upon reaching retirement age must be respected and protected,' she said in a statement yesterday. Voon stressed that once members reach this milestone, it was no longer within the government's discretion to dictate how and when their savings should be accessed, and reiterated that the decision on how to manage their own retirement funds should rest fully with the account holders. 'EPF was never intended to be managed like a pension scheme, where funds are released monthly – it is a retirement savings fund, and contributors must retain the freedom and autonomy to make financial decisions based on their individual needs and circumstances.' She said the government must honour the rules and regulations of EPF contributions and commitment to protect the retirement rights of Malaysians. On the other hand, Labour Law Reform Coalition deputy president Andrew Lo said theoretically, the government's proposal was 'the way forward' as retirement income should be on a regular sustainable withdrawal instead of a lump sum. 'This will only work if the current inadequate retirement savings amongst majority of EPF contributors – current and future – is resolved, otherwise the monthly withdrawal or payout will be a pittance. 'It will also work if adequate monthly retirement withdrawal is about 40 per cent of pre-retirement income,' he said, adding pensions for civil servants were currently at 50 per cent of basic salary before retirement. Lo said the proposal might also work if retirement age was increased to at least 65 to enable workers to build up sufficient savings, reduce pension costs and boost labour productivity and improve fiscal and economic performance. 'On top of that, the government must introduce a universal basic pension which can be funded by the many welfare and handout schemes which are currently being implemented on ad hoc and at the whims of political convenience.' Meanwhile, it was reported that several leaders here opposed to proposed move to restrict EPF lump sum withdrawals, stating such a policy would deprive contributors of rightful access to their own savings. EPF said the proposal was still under review and in the interim, existing rules and withdrawal mechanisms remain unchanged. epf safety nets Voon Shiak Ni
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
King of Malaysia Thanks Putin for Invite to Visit Russia
MOSCOW, Aug 6 (Bernama-TASS) -- His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for inviting him to visit Russia, TASS news agency reported. 'I want to thank you for the reception. It is a great honour for me to meet with you in Moscow. 'I've always dreamed of meeting you. I would like to sincerely thank you for the invitation,' Sultan Ibrahim told Putin during their meeting at the Kremlin.
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Barnama
ASEAN Day: Malaysians Share Aspirations For Peaceful, Prosperous Southeast Asia
By Suraidah Roslan & Ahmad Idzwan Arzmi KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- As the region commemorates ASEAN Day on August 8, Malaysians voiced their hopes for a better future through the ambitious ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, a roadmap for a united, peaceful and prosperous region over the next two decades. A civil servant, Ameelia Roslan, 29, said ASEAN symbolises regional unity and should continue to promote cooperation, inclusivity and sustainable growth. bootstrap slideshow 'To me, ASEAN represents the spirit of regional togetherness. It's about working together, supporting one another, and building a better future for Southeast Asia, especially in ensuring sustainable development that leaves no one behind,' she told Bernama in conjunction with ASEAN Day. Former assistant manager at private university, Siti Zatil Iman Mohd Maarof, 39, said that if she had the chance to deliver a message to ASEAN leaders, she would urge ASEAN member state to strengthen their cooperation without relying on others, especially Western countries. 'ASEAN is much richer and stronger than we realise. If the region can fully utilise its resources, it is not impossible for ASEAN to emerge as the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030,' For private college student Nurhikmah Harshah Zulkifli, 20, ASEAN leaders must strengthen cooperation in various aspects to ensure that less developed countries benefit from the progress of other member states. She hopes that through the successful implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045, the region will become more harmonious, resilient and stable, one that capable of withstanding future challenges while promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development among its member states. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) student Muhammad Ridzuan Zakaria, 24, believes Malaysia plays a significant role in promoting regional peace and is seen as a respected example, particularly among Islamic countries.
